Indigenous and Native Canadian and South Asian art and culture highlighted at TD Mosaic Aug 11-12, 2017

TD Mosaic – South Asian Festival of Mississauga in its 12th year brings its biggest line up ever. The festival theme,”Ekta” (oneness and Unity) celebrates the spirit of Canada’s 150th by showcasing over 200 artists and performers on two stages at the Celebration Square in the heart of Mississauga. The artists are A list Bollywood, Folk and Popular musicians and singers both international and local. Three of the performers have received highest national arts awards in their countries equivalent to Order of Canada. That includes, Padmashiri Award winner, Kaliash Kher from India, TamghaHusneKarkardigi, Bushra Ansari and Jawed Bashir from Pakistan. From the Academy award winning team of musicians from Life of Pi, Anwar Khurshid joins us with a unique selection of Canadian International artists . “Also in the lineup are Marigya,world music band and traditional Folk Chhau Dance, a collaboration between Indian High Commission Ottawa, Festival of India Ottawa and TD Mosaic Festival. Also performing for the first time on this stage is Arzoo Dance from Ottawa, Irudhya Dance and a colorful collection of artists carefully chosen for the festival.

Earlier in 2017, A native Mohawk Artist from Six Nations Reserve near Kingston, David R Maracle was sent to Lahore, Pakistan on the invitation of Beacon House National University and Rafi peer Theatre. A part of “Ekta” initiative, this trip was organized as a special Canada 150 celebration by CCAI and an effort to highlight the Native Canadian art and culture. As a special recognition of Canada 150 years of confederation, CCAI has made special efforts to engage, support and highlight the indigenous art and culture to the local audience. A very special installation and musical/dance performance is organized by the indigenous artists of Canada to mark the occasion. The audience of RTC and Mosaic festival will be able to interact with the artists and learn the importance of the artistic and cultural origins of Canada.

Mosaic Festival will host the local talent with “Rising Star” musical competition continuing the tradition of highlighting young and upcoming artists and providing them a platform to enhance their skills. Submission of videos has also been opened for online competition selected by the headlining artists with cash prizes offered to the selected submission. The Festival closing highlight is as always a massive dance performance by ShiamakDawar’ own Shiamak Dance Toronto.

Onsite Painting competition, a popular event with both the artists and spectators has been extended to two days, with cash prizes for the first three winners each day. The jury for these competitions comprises of local artists and arts administrators and able members of the audience. This segment is presented with the support of Deserres art supply store.

TD Mosaic Festival reached a new level of recognition, when it received the most prestigious Marty’s arts award by the Mississauga Arts Council as the “Festival of the Year 2017”.

Rock The Coliseum, Indie music Festival completes its 12th year with selection of artists from around Ontario. Submissions were overseen by the festival team and the members of the board and for the first time, RTC presents indigenous artists on its roster as well.